Period: From July 2024      Issued on 09.07.2024 using data to the end of June 2024

Rainfall:

In contrast to previous wet months, June saw below average rainfall across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with some regions in southern and central England receiving less than 50% of their typical June rainfall. Northern Scotland, however, experienced above-average rainfall, particularly in the far north. According to the Met Office forecast issued on 01.07.2024, likelihoods for all the possible rainfall outcomes (dry, near-average and wet) are close to normal in July and in the July-September period.

River flows:

River flows in June were generally normal across the country, though there was some variation. Above normal river flows were observed at some sites in south-east England, central, and northern Britain, while below normal flows were recorded at some sites in south Wales and south-west England. The forecast for July is for normal to above normal river flows in south-east England, with a likelihood of notably high flows persisting in some groundwater-fed catchments. Elsewhere, normal flows are expected. Outlooks suggest that below normal flows may continue in Wales and south-west England, although early July rainfall reduces this likelihood. Similarly, the July-September outlook favours normal flows across the country, with a chance of above normal flows persisting in parts of the south-east, particularly in groundwater-fed rivers.

Groundwater:

Groundwater levels in June were mostly above normal, and notably or exceptionally high levels were widespread across the country, with a few sites registering new June maxima.
The outlook for July is for a continuation of normal to above normal levels across most of the UK, with locally notably high (and occasionally exceptional) levels expected. The three-month outlook is similar, although in some of the faster responding boreholes such as those in central, northern England and south Wales, levels are expected to recede towards normal.